John Mahama reduces Ghana’s ministries to 23 in cost-cutting measure

As part of an effort to curb public spending under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity program, Ghana’s President John Mahama has reduced the number of government ministries from 30 to 23.

The decision, detailed in a gazette dated January 9, 2025, aligns with his commitment to streamlining government operations for improved efficiency.

Key ministries retained include finance, health, interior, defence, education, energy and green transition, roads and highways, and transport. The President’s office, in a statement, emphasized that this restructuring is integral to achieving fiscal discipline.

This move follows Mahama’s return to power after defeating former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in a tightly contested election. Mahama secured 56.55% of the vote, with Bawumia conceding after garnering 41.6%.

The downsizing of ministries contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s approach under President Bola Tinubu, who expanded the number of ministries to 48 in 2023, up from 44 under his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.